Woman’s Folk Costume | Torysky, Slovakia

Description

Origin: Slovakia | Spis region | Torysky village
Era: Early 20th century (circa 1910-1930) and WWII era (circa 1930-1950)
Includes: blouse, dress (vest with attached skirt), apron, cap, forehead lace decoration, lacing ribbon, headdress back ribbons
Condition: good; occasional small holes in red wool vest and blue wool skirt (not significant); blue staining on plain section on front of skirt; other light wear consistent with age; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements (with garments laying flat):
  Vest – across front: 17-19″ between underarms depending on lacing
  Vest – length: 15″
  Dress – waist: 29-32″ around
  Dress – total length: 44″
  Dress – skirt length: 29″
  Apron – length: 30″
  Headdress ribbons: 48″ long
Additional Notes: Traditional Rusyn woman’s costume from the village of Torysky in eastern Slovakia. The skirt is made from heavy dark blue felted wool, likely indicating that it would have been worn primarily on the third day of major holidays (Christmas/Easter) and weddings. These particular skirts are much more rare than the blueprint ones, which were worn almost everyday. The dress is also most likely the oldest element of this ensemble dating to the WWI era with the other pieces being post-WWII. The apron is reversible with different blueprint designs on each side. The side with the embroidery on the waistband would have been used on more important occasions and then it would have been turned over for everyday wear. The blouse is gathered and embroidered at the collar and has cross-stitch embroidered designs on the cuffs. It is further embellished with lace inserts in the sleeves. The vest is laced up the front with a floral ribbon that can be tightened to the desired size. The head is covered by a special bobbin lace and crochet cap that is worn together with a handmade lace band on the forehead. The long handmade ribbon panel gets tied to the back of the cap and hangs down the back all the way to the bottom of the dress. The ribbons are secured under the apron waist ties and any excess length should be pulled up to hang over the waist ties as shown in the reference photos above.